Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. makes history
On July 29, 1991, something amazing happened: Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. became a NASA astronaut!
He didn’t just stop there. Just four years later, in 1995, he became the first African American to walk in space. That means he put on a space suit, stepped outside the spaceship, and floated in outer space!
Dr. Harris grew up loving science and dreaming big. He became a medical doctor, but he also had a passion for space and wanted to explore it. That dream came true when NASA chose him to join their astronaut program.
In 1995, during the STS-63 mission, he made history. With Earth far below him and stars all around, he stepped into the unknown and showed the world what’s possible.
“The first step toward making your dreams come true is believing that they are possible.” – Dr. Bernard Harris Jr.
Why It Matters
Dr. Harris proved that you can be anything you want — a doctor, an astronaut, or even a spacewalker — no matter where you come from or what you look like.
He made history, and today, his story continues to inspire children and teenagers to pursue their dreams, especially in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Currently, Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. is actively involved in education, philanthropy, and business leadership. Here’s what he’s been doing:
Founder & CEO of The Harris Foundation
Dr. Harris founded The Harris Foundation to support STEM education, health, and leadership programs for underserved youth nationwide. The foundation has reached over 50,000 students, especially through its popular Summer Science Camps.